Wrist pain 18 months, anxious to get correct diagnosis

I hurt my hand/wrist spring-time last year, when I was training in olympic weightlifting. It was not very painful, most of the year I could train with the slight pain, although I did take some time off for it. I stopped olympic lifting last September (not just because of this though).

In the autumn and winter it gradually got worse during general weight training (and 2 months personal training course), pain started increasing during training, and eventually doing day to day activities, I tried resting it this spring for 3-4 months, and although it improved, it is still there, and flares up easily with any training (I'm avoiding pushing/pressing movements which are the worst), or day to day stuff if I am not careful.

Having had problems with misdiagnosis before (knee), and years of pointless treatment because of misdiagnosis, I wait a long time before seeing the GP about sports injuries, but I did go this July, and had an x-ray of hand/wrist. I want to know, what are the chances of the x-ray missing some kind of small fracture?

At the moment I am waiting for consultation with a hand specialist at the local hospital (another month to wait), would it be wise to get a second opinion from a sports physio? Are there simple tests when it comes to wrist/hand pain, or are the problems complex? If a physio is able to diagnose and correct treatment started that would be a help, I want to resolve this ASAP as I want to begin work as a personal trainer.

I've attached a picture of the location of pain on the upper side of my hand, by far the worst movements are pushing/pressing (such as heavy bench press), but at times I've felt pain upon twisting the hand (e.g sharp pain bowling - spinning the ball with curve), and even holding on to a heavy barbell, although grabbing& holding is not usually a problem. I am not sure if the pain is on the surface i.e the tendon across the top or deeper.

Any advice or discussion appreciated.

Hi James
I have had the same problem now since I fell over 2/01/2009 and as to date my wrist still hurts like hell ,and after physio at local hospital 2 cortisone injections into joint one being on wednesday just gone still no joy . I have been told it is probably dequervains and I'm awaiting follow up appointment with specialist to see what else can be done . Like you I cannot bear weight on my wrist and when I throw the ball for my dog I could scream with the pain that follows . I had xrays done,MRI scan and nothing showed on either of them . I am considering getting an ultrasound done to make sure all tests have been done to try and figure out what is wrong . I sympathize with you as I do know how you feel and probably like me enough is enough . The pain is exactly the same now As It was in the beginning but now I have pain in shoulder . I hope you get it sorted .

Ajkeechy